Wrights Hill Fortress

Wrights Hill Fortress is a coastal defense facility near Wellington that was built underground. Approximately 620 meters of concrete tunnels connect three gun positions to one another.

The facility was built between 1942 and 1944 in response to fears of a Japanese invasion. After the war, two 9.2-inch guns were installed and tested there before being sold off as scrap.

The site shows how New Zealanders worked to protect their coastline during World War II and what construction methods they chose for this purpose. Today visitors can see how the facility, with its underground design, reflects the military thinking of that era.

Access is only available on certain days, including national holidays such as Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day. For other visits, you should arrange in advance and can then explore the underground chambers with a guide.

The guns that were built to defend against Japan were sold as scrap metal to Japan in 1960. This is an ironic chapter in the fortress's history.

Location: Wellington City Council

Location: Wellington City

Website: http://wrightshillfortress.org.nz

GPS coordinates: -41.29610,174.73900

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:08